The city of the Aurora is ringing in the new year with two new eSports hubs at community recreation centers

The city of Aurora is celebrating the grand opening of two new eSports hubs at Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place and Southeast Recreation Center and Fieldhouse, 25400 E. Alexander Drive. The Central Recreation Center grand opening will take place from noon to 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 5 and the Southeast Recreation Center and Fieldhouse grand opening will take place from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Each event will feature giveaways, food, prizes, video game-themed activities, as well as photograph and autograph opportunities with Miles from the Denver Broncos. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be hosted at the Southeast event at 4 p.m. and at the Central event at 3:30 p.m. with a special appearance by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a strong advocate for eSports programming throughout the state.

"Offering eSports at our recreation centers as an amenity increases the inclusivity at our centers and is a great option for youth who need a break or might feel out of place with activities like basketball, volleyball or fieldhouse sports," said Troy Johnan, eSports Recreation Supervisor.

"Colorado High School Activities Association does recognize eSports as an official sport. Schools are even giving out scholarships. The opportunity here to practice or make friends is great to see in these spaces," Johnan added.

Each eSports hub at Aurora recreation centers will feature 10 professional gaming computers, a PlayStation 5 and a Nintendo Switch. Each hub is a center amenity that is included with entry, which can be accessed with center membership, a $5 drop-in fee or for free through We Are Aurora Youth, a program that offers free recreation center access to teens, ages 13 to 17, during school breaks.

Aurora's eSports program began in 2021 offering virtual programming to Aurora residents. In 2022, the eSports Lounge opened inside the Expo Community Center becoming the first center of its kind in Colorado where young gamers could compete and connect on the latest consoles and state-of-the-art gaming computers. A variety of special programming is available at the center year-round, including eSports leagues, robotics camps, coding classes and much more.

Learn more about the upcoming eSports grand openings and programs offered at AuroraGov.org/eSports.